Atlético Madrid defeated returning Málaga CF 2-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday night to start their LaLiga season with three points.
Second-half strikes from substitutes Kang-in Lee and Álex Baena broke down a resilient visiting defense after manager Diego Simeone turned to his bench after 70 goalless minutes.
Lee opened the scoring in the 70th minute, driving inward from the right flank and curling a left-footed shot into the top right corner past goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero. The strike was recorded at a speed of nearly 115 km/h. Baena doubled the lead in the 84th minute, curling a right-footed direct free kick over the defensive wall and in off the underside of the crossbar.
Málaga return after eight years
The match marked Málaga's return to Spain's top division after an eight-year absence. The club last played in Primera in May 2018, enduring a turbulent period that included a failed promotion playoff, judicial administration over owner Abdullah Al-Thani's shares, and relegation to Primera RFEF, where they spent three seasons before earning promotion back to the top tier. The two clubs had not met in Primera since February 2018.
Before kickoff, players from both teams formed a guard of honour for Atlético's four world champions: Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente, and Álex Baena. The Spanish national anthem was played across the stadium, followed by a minute of silence for victims of the previous week's earthquake in Colombia and for Atlético Madrid members and supporters who passed away during the previous season.
Pre-match squad selection and manager comments
Atlético entered the opening match with several squad absences. International players were still building match fitness, while forward Alexander Sørloth missed out due to a muscle contracture. Striker Julián Álvarez was omitted from the matchday squad amid ongoing transfer discussions regarding a potential move to Barcelona, with two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window.
Málaga were also affected by injuries, with sports director Loren Juarros confirming that Murillo and Calero were unavailable, alongside pre-match reports noting absences for Carlos Dotor and Adrián Niño, though Dotor ultimately started the match.
Speaking before the match, Simeone expressed gratitude and excitement for the new season, explaining that he selected the players in the best current physical condition while others would be integrated as their fitness improved. He noted that Málaga were a well-coached side and that Atlético needed to direct the game to areas where they could threaten.
Málaga manager Funes told DAZN that taking charge of his first match in Primera was a special moment, describing the occasion as a precious opportunity for a club driven by enormous excitement and responsibility.
Juarros added from the stadium that most of the squad had joined during their time in Primera RFEF and had earned their place in the top flight through hard work and trust. He expressed confidence that key players would remain at the club this summer, citing their strong commitment, and noted that a deal to sign Pablo Martínez was practically finalized.
Scoreless first half and tactical battle
Atlético lined up in a 4-3-3 formation and controlled early possession, though Málaga created early openings. In the 13th minute, Izan Merino drove through midfield and found Carlos Puga, who set up Antonio Larrubia for a shot that went high at the near post.
Atlético defender David Hancko received the game's first yellow card in the 15th minute for a foul from behind on Puga to stop a Málaga counter-attack. At the other end, Dani Martínez provided dangerous crosses for Carlos Martín, while Lookman tested the Málaga defense before goalkeeper Herrero caught a long pass at the edge of his penalty area.
Málaga winger Joaquín Muñoz caused frequent problems on the right, drawing successive fouls from Atlético defender Domínguez in the 22nd and 23rd minutes. Domínguez was eventually booked in the 37th minute for a tackle from behind on Joaquín to halt a vertical run.
Following a hydration break in the 28th minute, Herrero saved a long-range effort from Carlos Martín. In the 42nd minute, Herrero rushed out to clear a pass from Koke intended for Lookman, colliding with teammate Rafita, who fell awkwardly on his neck and required treatment on the pitch.
In first-half stoppage time, Domínguez committed another foul on Joaquín, prompting Málaga coach Funes to demand a second yellow card. Moments later, Chupe received a through ball from Joaquín in an offside position and forced a save from Jan Oblak. Larrubia followed up on the rebound from the far post, but Oblak stretched to make a second reaction save. At the other end, Lookman went down near the penalty box before Puga received Málaga's first yellow card for a foul on Arnau Ortiz.
Second-half changes and decisive goals
Simeone substituted Marcos Llorente on for Domínguez at half-time to avoid the risk of a red card. Early in the second half, Herrero saved a low attempt from Lookman, while Carlos Martín fired a rebound over the bar in the 55th minute. Herrero then produced a crucial foot save to deny Mendoza after a through ball from the right flank.
In the 57th minute, Simeone made a triple change, sending on Kang-in Lee, Álex Baena, and Giuliano Simeone for Arnau Ortiz, Carlos Martínez, and Mendoza. Two minutes later, Lee sent a low 25-yard shot wide of the post as Atlético increased their attacking pace.
Málaga threatened on the counter-attack in the 62nd minute through Chupe, but defender Robin Le Normand intercepted his pass toward Joaquín to concede a corner. Einar rose to meet Joaquín's delivery from the left, but his header bounced behind him and missed the target.
Málaga responded by introducing Juan Cruz and Rafa Rodríguez for Carlos Dotor and Joaquín Muñoz in the 67th minute. However, Atlético broke the deadlock three minutes later when Lee gathered the ball on the right edge of the area, drove inward past defenders, and unleashed his left-footed shot into the net for the opening goal.
Málaga immediately sent on Salinas for Puga, shifting Rafita to right-back. Atlético pressed for a second goal, with Herrero tipping a first-time shot from Lookman over the bar in the 74th minute before Lookman struck the crossbar from the resulting corner scramble.
Morten Hjulmand replaced Koke in Atlético's final substitution in the 77th minute. Málaga responded by bringing on Eneko Jauregi for Dani Lorenzo and Ramón for Einar, with Izan Merino dropping back into central defense. Baena secured the victory in the 84th minute by curling his free kick off the crossbar after being fouled by Izan.
Closing minutes and upcoming matches
In the closing stages, Ramón received a yellow card for bringing down Lee in midfield to stop a fast counter-attack. Rafita made a sliding clearance in the 90th minute to intercept Giuliano Simeone's low cross toward Lookman.
During six minutes of stoppage time, Oblak made a final save at his near post from a late Larrubia shot, preserving the clean sheet until the final whistle.
The result gives Atlético their first three points of the LaLiga season ahead of the weekend fixtures, which will see Real Madrid and Barcelona begin their respective league campaigns.
